Amid the threat of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha, the Jajpur district administration has announced the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres across the district tomorrow.
The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure following the heavy rainfall warning issued by the India Meteorological Department.
After Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar and Balasore, Jajpur is now the latest district to announce the closure of educational institutions in view of the worsening weather conditions.
Following the direction of the Jajpur District Collector, the District Education Officer has issued an official order suspending classes across the district.
The order applies to all government and , Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, as well as private educational institutions. Primary, upper primary, high school and higher secondary classes will remain suspended tomorrow. All Anganwadi centres across Jajpur district will also remain closed.
Red Alert by IMD, Orange As Well in Some Areas
The decision comes at a time when the weather department has issued a red warning for several districts of Odisha.
According to the IMD forecast, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall possible at one or two locations in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj.
The weather department has also issued an orange warning for Jajpur and several other districts.
These include Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal and Khordha.
With the possibility of intense rainfall, waterlogging, flooding and disruption to road connectivity in vulnerable areas, the administration is taking precautionary steps to ensure the safety of students and young children.
Parents and guardians have been advised to remain alert and follow official instructions issued by the district administration.
Schools, Anganwadis on Alert
The closure of schools and Anganwadi centres is expected to help prevent students and children from travelling during periods of heavy rainfall and potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Meanwhile, district authorities and emergency response teams are keeping a close watch on the weather situation. Necessary arrangements are being kept ready to deal with any waterlogging, flooding or other rain-related emergencies.
As Odisha prepares for another spell of intense monsoon activity, residents in the affected districts are being urged to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
The administration continues to monitor the situation, with further decisions expected depending on the intensity of rainfall and the evolving weather conditions.